Calhoun County High Point Trip Report
Date: October 21, 2000
Author: Bill Jacobs
In one of the more extraordinary gatherings in the annals of county highpointing, eight fearless zealots
joined forces to pillage the upper reaches of northeastern Alabama. Led by the intrepid Fred Lobdell,
Morton Mountain was chosen as the crown jewel of the expedition. In spite of severe prominence,
unexpended ordnance fields, the perils of rabid bow-and-arrow hunters, and the failed efforts of security
forces to thwart our goals, the entire expedition summated Morton possibly claiming the largest
contingent to ever simultaneously slay a "virgin" county.
Base camp was established in Anniston, AL where briefings and preclimb nourishment-fueling was
conducted in a local Chinese buffet - which probably filed for bankruptcy after our departure. The next
morning a four-vehicle caravan sped out of town for Fort McClellan, the political sovereignty overseeing
the mighty mountain. The camp has fallen victim to the budgetary saber and is making the transition to
civilian care. However, rigor mortis has not set in as the golf course is still open. Entry to the Fort is
unrestricted.
We were advised, apparently in error, that hiking in the back roads was authorized.
The fire station personnel graciously showed us their wall map indicating the various
mountain roads and trails.
As we ascended the hill, we found a closed gate several miles from our objective, a minor irritant for any
self-respecting highpointer. No signs barred entry other than an obvious "Gate Closed". We proceeded on
foot with five-year-old Alexandra Oeser exhorting us onward. Upon reaching the top, the customary
Southern celebratory champagne toast was dispensed with out of respect for the presence of a minor. We
attempted, but failed, to locate bench marks.
On descent, the chief of base security intercepted us, who, in a highly agitated state, threatened to
incarcerate the gang of eight for invading a dangerous war-zone. To defuse a highly explosive situation,
we resorted to an age-old trick of boring him to death by regaling him with endless tales on the joys of
highpointing. Moreover, we greeted his authoritative posturing with total indifference because we had
already satisfied Fred's golden rule of highpointing: there is no dishonor to banishment if you have
already made it to the top.
Given the transition state of McClellan, we would not recommend attempting Morton Mountain until
final transfer of civilian oversight. Future plans call for developing the area for recreational use after
clearing the hills of ordnance. As for now, entry is limited to hunters who have completed a course in
unexploded ammunition. Hunting is probably not that good anyway as there tends to be a scarcity of live
wildlife in minefields. Since this is an evolving situation, future highpointers should submit updates.
As for local color, French chefs are not in high demand, but if you can dress a deer and turn it into
sausage, you are not likely to long be a member of the unemployment roles.
Details on routes taken: From I-65, exit 185, proceed north on Highway 431 to the main gate of Fort
McClellan, approximately ten miles. Various roads within the Fort lead to Morton but all are now
restricted. A paved road apparently goes from inside the Fort over to Highway 9 on the eastern side.
Following a recommendation we chose to exit the facility and travel around the edge of the Fort over to
H9. Continuing south we turned off at CR55 and after about a mile turned right at road with a grave site
of a small child that had something to do with an ancient land dispute. We proceeded up the road to the
previously mentioned closed gate. Continue up to the crest of this paved road and turn right unto a dirt
road. The highpoint is about one mile further off to the right 30 feet above the roadbed.